When you really need a match to work, consider the UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit. Included are 12 Titan matches, which are windproof, waterproof, and burn up to 25 seconds. They even stay lit under water.

This line of REI apparel uses Gore Windstopper fabric, a technical softshell material that blocks wind. If you’re above the treeline or heading out on a windy day, windproof fabric is great. And stretchy construction on this set enables freedom of movement.

This pack was my gateway to the outdoors. The Aether has been with me on countless backpacking trips and outdoor adventures. It has comfortable suspension for a range of loads and items — and it has yet to break on me. For a well-rounded backpack to likely last over a decade, check out the Aether.

Tackle that demanding job in the Duluth Trading Co. Flurrious Straight Leg Work Pants, and worry less about your pants getting in the way. These are built with stretch in the knees and butt for freedom of movement, are water-repellent, and have a brushed interior for comfort and moisture management.

Spend an afternoon in the park or weekend camping in the woods in REI’s Quarter Dome Air Hammock. With spreader bars for a flatter laying surface, built-in mesh net, and included rainfly, this tent hammock is set up for nights. And if you want to hang sans rainfly, simply flip the setup upside down.

The Amber 70 will function great as a standard backpacking pack no problem. But take a deeper look and the Amber is next level. Inside is a removable daypack for summit pushes or day hikes. And the outside is designed to accept the Goal Zero Nomad 7 solar panel for backcountry power.

We’ve used these glasses for commuting and bike riding and attest to their utility. The photochromic lenses respond quickly if you duck into shadows or enter a sunny space. And if your breath works its way up into the lenses, perhaps due to a buff, its antiFOG tech quickly dispatches the blur and clears up your sight.

Have you ever wanted to sprint on a frozen lake? The YakT]trax Summit will let you do that. But maybe that’s overkill. With a 12-carbon-steel cleat design, these spikes grip frozen trails or snowy surfaces with ease. And Boa closures in the back easily jump onto whatever boot or shoe you may have.

Class it up with a wool sweater from Finisterre. This ribbed sweater is made from a multicolor-flecked yarn for an above average look. And it’s stitched with a traditional fisherman’s rib stitch technique.

See the whole mountain in these Anon goggles thanks to their spherical lens tech that enables wall-to-wall vision. And vents along the goggles reduce fogging by circulating air. Plus, for the riders who like to switch out lenses, these use magnetic seals to easily do so without taking the goggles off your face.

Midwest born, Nate Mitka is based in the GearJunkie Denver office. He is an advocate of all outdoor activities and has developed some habits, like running without headphones, eating raw vegetables, and fixing the chain on his ratty old bike.